Environment Bill sparks heated clash in Parliament

A major overhaul of Fiji’s environmental laws sparked a heated exchange in Parliament yesterday, as MPs clashed over new enforcement powers and tougher penalties proposed under the Environment Management Amendment Bill 2025.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu defended the changes, saying the 20-year-old law no longer matches the scale of modern environmental threats. He cited rising cases of illegal reclamation, hazardous chemical storage and unregulated coastal activities as urgent problems requiring stronger tools.

He said the Bill closes significant loopholes by broadening what qualifies as a development activity, tightening the Environmental Impact Assessment process and giving inspectors clearer authority to enter unauthorised sites, including homes used for illegal commercial operations.

• To justify the expanded powers, Mr Bulitavu highlighted recent incidents, including:
• A vessel carrying 800 litres of oil sinking without a valid waste permit.
• Hazardous chemicals stored in a residential home, prompting a midnight intervention.
• Mangrove clearing and illegal sand extraction carried out without approvals.

“These are the realities we face today,” he said. “The law must allow inspectors to act immediately, not debate technicalities while damage continues.”

Opposition MP Praveen Bala issued the strongest challenge, arguing that while the Bill strengthens oversight, key gaps could create uncertainty across government agencies and the development sector. Mr Bala raised several concerns:

• Environmental Management Committee – No clarity on its size, appointments or whether it is permanent.
• Expanded inspection powers – Supports inclusion of residential properties but calls for safeguards.
• Land Transport Authority’s role – Seeks clear boundaries for vehicle-related environmental compliance.
• High penalties – Says several proposed fines appear excessive.
• Nullified approvals – Calls for strict checklists so developers are not blindsided late in the process.

He warned that without clearer procedures, “Fiji risks creating bottlenecks that will slow responsible development and hurt communities.”

Despite Opposition concerns, Government maintains the amendments are necessary to address worsening pollution, illegal dumping and other environmental breaches across the country.

Debate on the Bill resumes today under a strict one-hour limit, with Government expected to secure the votes needed for its passage.